Danon Decile and Croiz du Nord Face Off in Osaka Hai

Danon Decile (JPN), winner of the 2025 Dubai Sheema Classic (G1T) where he defeated eventual Japan Cup (G1T) winner Calandagan (IRE), has been ruled out of his second trip to Dubai due to rising tensions in the Gulf region. His trainer, Shogo Yasuda, said the 5-year-old son of Epiphaneia (JPN) will instead point to the Osaka Hai (G1T) at Hanshin Racecourse April 5. The Osaka Hai, boasting a total purse of ¥651 million (approx. US$4.06 million), is set to host a high-stakes rematch between two Japanese Derby (G1) winners. Danon Decile, who won the Derby in 2024, and Croix du Nord (JPN), winner of last year's edition of the race, are expected to headline the field after their first meeting in the 2025 Japan Cup, where they finished third and fourth, respectively. After a three-month break at Northern Farm's Shigaraki branch following the Japan Cup, Croix du Nord returned to Takashi Saito's Ritto stable March 5. He recently clocked a 6-furlong breeze in 1:23.50 over the woodchip course at Ritto Training Center March 11. This year's Osaka Hai is shaping up to be a thriller. The lineup features 2025 Takarazuka Kinen (G1T) winner Meisho Tabaru (JPN), five-time graded stakes winner Lebensstil (JPN), and Shohei (JPN), who finished third in last year's Japanese Derby. Masquerade Ball (JPN), who was narrowly beaten by Calandagan in the Japan Cup and withdrawn from the trip to Dubai, will miss the Osaka Hai due to a minor setback.